The 2013 NFL Draft is a long while away but the college season isn’t too far in the distance. I have put my initial top 50 rankings for this draft class……

NFL Draft Top 100 Players

Jarvis Jones-OLB-Georgia

Analysis: In 2011 Georgia’s stellar pass-rusher Jarvis Jones wracked up 13.5 sacks and should improve on that in his senior season. Jones is a big-time hitter with solid technique and has great closing speed as a pass-rusher which allows him to chase down quarterbacks on the run. Aggressive and explosive football player who moves extremely well given his size; At the next level Jones would be an ideal outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

Sam Montgomery-DE-LSU

Analysis: Montgomery produced 9 sacks and 13 tackles for loss for the fierce LSU defense in 2011 which expects to be even better in 2012. Montgomery is an explosive edge rusher who would be an ideal defensive end in a 4-3 defense.

Matt Barkley-QB-USC

Analysis: It was surprising that Barkley didn’t enter the NFL draft with the knowledge that he would have been a top five selection. Barkley’s game reminds me a lot of New Orleans Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees. Barkley had an amazing 2011 season throwing for 3528 yards and 39 touchdown passes. Barkley is an accurate and efficient passer who will more than likely be the first overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Star Lotulelei-DT-Utah

Analysis: Lotulelei possesses a rare combination of strength and quickness which makes him very disruptive in the middle of the defense. He sheds blockers easily and has the speed to track-down ball carriers. Lotulelei is a player whose stock will be on the rise heading into the 2013 draft.

David Amerson-CB-NC State

Analysis: We haven’t seen a player with his ball-skills in a very long time as Amerson’s production reminds me of Baltimore Ravens’ safety Ed Reed in his prime. In 2011 he had 13 interceptions and two defensive touchdowns which are just eye-popping numbers. Amerson has a bright future at the next level and it will be interesting to see if he plays safety or cornerback at the next level. Amerson has great size standing at 6”3 and will be an impact player at next level.

Jackson Jeffcoat-DE/OLB-Texas

Analysis: Jeffcoat has elite pass rusher written all over him. He has great NFL pedigree as his father is former Dallas Cowboy Jim Jeffcoat. Jackson has the type of size that general managers drool over and an explosive first step which makes him un-blockable at time. When all is said and done there is no doubt that Jeffcoat is a top ten pick.

Keenan Allen-WR-California

Analysis: I might be in the minority that have Allen ranked ahead of USC’s Robert Woods but to me Keenan Allen is clearly the best receiver in this draft class. Allen is deceptively fast and has a second gear that allows him to explode past defenders. Allen has NFL size and is a very polished route runner with great hands to boot. Allen is an aggressive pass catcher and will fight opposing defensive backs for the football.

Tyler Wilson-QB-Arkansas

Analysis: Tyler Wilson had a very good 2011 campaign and it will be interesting to see how he plays in 2012 after losing his favorite targets (Joe Adams, Greg Childs, Jarius Wright) to the NFL Draft. Wilson has a rocket-arm and is an accurate down-field passer. The thing that I like most about Wilson is that he makes smart decisions are rarely tries to force the football.

Barkevious Mingo-DE/OLB-LSU

Analysis: Mingo is an amazing athlete who is the prototypical speed rusher that NFL teams covet. Mingo is always in the opposing backfield as his 8 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss would indicate. The LSU defense is going to ferocious in 2012 and the combination of Mingo/Montgomery is just scary.

Robert Woods-WR-USC

Analysis: From a production standpoint it will be hard to find a match for Woods who caught 15 touchdowns in 2011. Woods is not a physical receiver and relies on his natural ability to catch the football, run passed defenders, and make defenders miss him in the open field. Woods can create separation and has speed that will haunt secondaries on Sundays for a very long time.

DJ Fluker-OT-Alabama

Analysis: Mammoth offensive tackle with good feet and strength that will make him a top ten selection.

Barrett Jones-OT/OG-Alabama

Analysis: great technique and a fundamentally sound player who projects to a Guard at the next level and should see be a perennial all-pro at the position.

Manti Te’o-LB-Notre Dame

Analysis: Te’o is the best inside linebacker of the draft as he has a great combination of speed and instincts which make him a tackling machine.

Logan Thomas-QB-Virginia Tech

Analysis: Logan Thomas has a lot of Ben Roethlisberger in his game and needs to be more consistent but he is a lock to be a top fifteen draft selection.

TJ McDonald-S-USC

Analysis: Good balls, skills, NFL pedigree, solid tackler, and strong coverage are traits that will lead to McDonald being the first safety selected in 2013.

Jonathan Hankins-DT-Ohio State

Analysis: Disruptive player who reminds me of Vikings’ Kevin Williams; Hankins can eat blocker and use his power to shed blocks and get to the football.

Tyler Bray-QB-Tennessee

Analysis: Bray is a physically impressive football player who has the skill to be a franchise quarterback at the next level. When all is said and done Bray will be a top 20 selection and it will be interesting watching him rebound from his hand injury this season for the Volunteers.

Marcus Lattimore-RB-South Carolina

Analysis: he isn’t the prospect that Trent Richardson was this year but there is no question that Lattimore is a feature back at the next level. Lattimore runs with a good combination of power, speed, and balance which make him a do-it-all running-back.

Chris Faulk-OT-LSU

Analysis: When it comes to blocking in the running game there is not an offensive tackle in this draft who does it better than LSU’s Chris Faulk. Faulk is athletic given his size and plays with great leverage but he has his flaws in pass protection. He fixes those flaws and he will be a top ten selection in 2013.

Eric Reid-S-LSU

Analysis: Reid battled injuries during his sophomore campaign in 2011 but when he was on the field he played at an elite level. Reid has play-making ability and is a very good tackler in the open field.

Sean Porter-OLB-Texas A&M

Analysis: porter might get overlooked a bit due to the amount of elite pass rushers in this draft but he is a very good one himself. Porter has an explosive first step and is a very productive pass rusher.

Jonathan Banks-CB-Mississippi State

Analysis: Banks has NFL size and speed and has the ability to lock down the other teams’ best receiver. Banks uses his hands very well and can track the football well.

Matt Elam-S-Florida

Analysis: Hasn’t completely lived up to the hype that he had coming out of high school but this kids athletic ability is off the charts.

Jake Matthews-OT-Texas A&M

Analysis: This guy has serious NFL pedigree and is an ideal right tackle at the next level. Plays with good strength and leverage and can simply over power defenders.

Luke Joeckel-OT-Texas A&M

Analysis: Starting left tackle at A&M since he arrived and a sure fire first round selection in 2013. Plays with solid technique and a strong pass that make him elite in pass protection